Kailh BCP vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh BCP and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, especially when comparing the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Black, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Kailh BCP distinguishes itself with its bouncy and creamy feel, coupled with a clacky sound that's perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This switch reimagines the iconic Black Cherry Pies, offering a unique tactile experience without the hassle of disassembly. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is celebrated for its refined smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, brought to life through Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, making it an ideal choice for users seeking durability and a traditional aesthetic. While both switches offer silent operation and linear feedback, the distinction in their sound profiles and tactile sensations can influence your decision based on personal preferences or usage contexts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Black switches predominantly share a similar housing material, with both using nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared material choice results in a consistent typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic compared to alternatives like polycarbonate or ABS, both switches naturally absorb sound more effectively. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder auditory feedback when the switches are pressed, which is particularly appealing to users seeking a quieter typing experience. Consequently, both the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Black switches can be expected to produce comparable acoustic results due to their identical materials.
While both switches utilize nylon for their housings, it is worth noting that the overall typing experience may diverge depending on other factors such as the internal mechanism and design specifics of each switch. For instance, although the sound characteristics may primarily stem from the nylon housing, the design choices made by Kailh and Cherry, including the actuation force and travel distance, can influence the tactile feedback felt during typing. This difference might create variations in user experience that are not solely attributable to the housing material, despite the similar auditory profiles exhibited by both switch types.
In summary, the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Black switches demonstrate a strong similarity in their housing materials, which directly contributes to a uniform acoustic signature. The use of nylon in both top and bottom housings means that users can anticipate a similar sound experience while typing. However, the nuances in the design and engineering of each switch may still lead to diverse tactile experiences. Ultimately, while audio output remains comparable, tactile feedback and overall performance could vary, making it essential for users to consider their specific preferences when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Kailh BCP has a lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option suitable for extended typing sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a substantially heavier bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a firm typing experience. This means that while both switches are linear and offer a smooth experience, the BCP offers a softer touch ideal for longer use, whereas the MX Black caters to those who appreciate a stronger push. Thus, users can expect lighter feedback from the Kailh BCP, making it less tiring for prolonged use, while the Cherry MX Black delivers a heavier, more deliberate keystroke.
Travel distance
The Kailh BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch differ in travel distance, with the BCP measuring 3.5 mm and the MX Black measuring 4.0 mm. This means that the BCP offers a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Black. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the BCP may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel, which can facilitate quicker key presses—a feature often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black, with its longer 4.0 mm travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, which some users may appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference: opt for the Kailh BCP for a faster response or the Cherry MX Black for a more traditional and hearty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Kailh BCP switches offer a lively and engaging auditory experience with a distinct clacky profile. When you press the keys, they yield a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that enhances the typing experience, making it feel energetic and responsive. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches deliver a low-pitched sound that is bass-heavy and mellow, resulting in a deeper auditory feedback when typing. This difference creates a notably unique character between the two switches; while the BCP engages with a higher frequency that can be described as crisp, the MX Black maintains a quieter, more subdued tone. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the BCP switch stands out with its combination of a bouncy and creamy texture. The bounciness provides an elastic feedback sensation with each keystroke, offering a lively and engaging typing feel reminiscent of a spring-loaded mechanism. Coupled with its creamy aspect, this switch allows for a smooth and buttery experience, enabling fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches do not specifically mention their tactile feedback, although the smoothness associated with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling suggests a consistent linear experience. This means that while MX Black offers a generally smooth feel, it may lack the dynamic elasticity found in the BCP.
In conclusion, both the Kailh BCP and Cherry MX Black switches provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The BCP showcases a lively auditory and tactile presence that many might find exhilarating, while the MX Black offers a classic, subdued engagement that emphasizes smoothness and consistency. If you gravitate towards a more animated sound and feel during typing, the BCP may be your best choice. Conversely, if you prefer the familiar, low-profile characteristics of a traditional linear switch, the MX Black will serve you well. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, leading to a satisfying typing experience regardless of your selection.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a lively, bouncy sensation while typing, along with a crisp and clacky sound, the Kailh BCP may be the right choice for you. These characteristics make it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and tactile typing experience, particularly if you're using your keyboard for both gaming and general typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier and more deliberate keypress, with a smoother feel and a low-pitched sound that emphasizes a mellow auditory profile, then the Cherry MX Black switch is likely your best bet. Its refined smoothness and substantial resistance can provide a satisfying experience for both gaming and extensive typing sessions where resistance is appreciated. In the end, assess what aspects matter most to you—be it the light, bouncy feedback of the BCP or the solid, weighted feel of the MX Black—and select the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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